How Humber Hawk's Nathan Waithe Balances Basketball and Business Management
HLOs: 
For Nathan Waithe, choosing Humber Polytechnic was about more than finding the right program, it was about finding the right community. Drawn initially by Humber’s nationally recognized Men’s Basketball program, Nathan began his academic journey in the Fitness and Health Promotion diploma. After graduating, he chose to continue his education in the Business Management program, driven by a long-term goal to merge his passion for fitness and sport with business leadership.
“I’ve always thought about starting my own business,” Nathan shared. “You can’t run a business without knowing the basics. That’s what led me to Business Management,” said Nathan.
Life as a Student-Athlete
Balancing varsity basketball with academic demands isn’t easy, but Nathan approaches both with discipline and maturity. He stays ahead on assignments, communicates proactively with professors, and uses team travel time to complete smaller tasks so he can focus on major projects at home. The program’s structure helps Nathan stay grounded academically, so when he steps on the court, he can fully focus.
“When I’m playing basketball, I can plug out of school and focus on the court," he said.
He has built a school and work schedule that keeps him accountable even on low-motivation days. “If it’s in my schedule, it becomes mandatory. I get it done.”
Nathan credits strong communication and confidence in partnerships with faculty and staff for helping him stay aligned and supported, something he encourages future student-athletes to prioritize.
A Varsity Family
Now entering his fifth year as a Humber Hawk, Nathan describes the Men’s Basketball team as a second family.
“When I was injured, my teammates and coaches took care of me. They always checked in. I’ll forever be grateful,” he said.
This sense of support is a hallmark of Humber Varsity. The values learned through sport — resilience, accountability, teamwork, perseverance — stay with student-athletes long after they leave the court.
Looking Ahead: Building His Future
Nathan’s goal is to open his own multipurpose gym — offering personal training, basketball development, and more — within five years of graduating. With a strong foundation in Business Management and invaluable experiences gained through varsity athletics, he has a clear path forward.
“My academic and athletic experiences at Humber have helped shape a clear vision for my future… and they’ve shown me that my goals are achievable," he said.
Nathan expresses gratitude to his family, coaching staff, professors, and teammates, all of whom have supported him through injuries, academics, and the challenges of being a student-athlete.
Nathan’s story reflects what Humber Polytechnic offers: A place where driven students like Nathan can thrive academically, develop as leaders, and compete at the highest level, all while preparing for meaningful careers in business and beyond.
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